BY AIR
A daily flight connects Port Blair to the rest of the world and the islanders are getting used to sharing their rations with tourists-both Indian and foreign. Port Blair is air linked with Madras, Delhi, Bhubaneswar, and Kolkata.

BY SEA
Andaman is connected to Kolkata, Chennai, and Vishakhapatnam. Ferries operate between Port Blair and other islands in the Andaman and Nicobar groups.

Languages Spoken
Bengali

Best Time
December - April

STD Code
03192

Area
8248 sq km, total
(Andaman - 6408,
Nicobar - 1841 sq.kms.).

Population
340,000

Climate
The daily temperature in the Andamans does not vary much throughout the year. It usually averages between 23°C to 30°C. There are two seasons - the wet, or monsoon season, from mid-May to mid-November, and the dry season, from mid-November to mid-May. Rainfall is heavy and, depending on the location, averages 264 to 437 cm annually. The best time to visit is between November and mid-April.

The Cellular Jail
To pay homage to the martyrs, one can visit the Cellular Jail and museum. A close look at the Death House and the instruments of torture brings to mind India s freedom struggle and the contribution of those who gave their life for the country.

The Beaches
One can go for swimming at Corbyn s Cove, Jolly Buoy, or one of other safe beaches. One can also swim, snorkel and visit the underwater world as long as one wants. But first, it is necessary to check on undercurrents and tide timings beforehand.

Ross Island
It was once an exclusive preserve of the British who ruled from there for over 50 years. Now, as one walks through the ruins of bungalows, churches, ballrooms, bakeries, clubs and dungeons, one can almost hear the mingling of church bells and dance music and inhale the aroma of freshly baked bread and cakes. Once a visitor stumbled and fell into what he discovered, wire tennis courts attached to the Government House or the home of the Chief Commissioner. Although haunted by ghosts from the past, Ross Island is still peopled-with herds of deer and majestic peacocks that fear no captivity.

The Viper Island
It contains the dungeons and a natural amphitheatre . Captivities and convicts once landed at Viper Island near the mouth of Port Blair Harbor. Another picnic spot, it still has ruins of gallows as reminders of a grim past.

Havelock Island
A visit to the Havelock Island is a memorable experience. It is unspoilt and beautiful. If one is lucky enough to get a permit, a visit to the home of the Onges in Dugong Creek is necessary. Staying overnight at Havelock will take one back a hundred years to camp life and pristine beauty.

Museum and Zoo
The other places that deserve to visit are the Anthropological Museum, Marine Museum, and the Mini Zoo. One could see a panorama of the life of the Paleolithic islanders, a display of marine life with sea crocodiles, dolphins, barracuda, and pearl oysters.

Harbor Cruises
The trip to Port Blair could be rounded up with a harbor cruise that will take one round the South Andaman Island and will give a bird s eye view of mangroves, rain forests and other delights of this living museum. With luck on one s side, dancing dolphins will guide the ferry ride to these islands. Whether discovered through diving or just be sitting in a glass-bottomed boat, the treasures of these coral islands are unforgettable. As the underwater world comes alive, one forgets that there is a less perfect world outside, so engrossing are the vast expanses of colorful corals, fish and vegetation. A peek into this magic land leaves one in a daze for the rest of the day! 

Volcanoes
The Andamans even have their very own dormant volcano and those who have the courage and stamina to climb to tits mouth on Barren Island never forget the sight of the lava inside or the hard lava-like rocks that make the climb a near impossibility.

Local curio shops can be found opposite the clock tower near Aberdeen. The Sagarika Cottage Emporium is next to the tourist office and is open from 9 am to 6 pm, except Sundays. There is a selection of souvenirs in wood and shell (the government designates areas and limits for the collection of shells each year).